The Q Branch police have seized ₹1 crore-worth beedi leaves even as it was about to be smuggled to Sri Lanka by boat.

When Q Branch police led by Inspector Vijaya Anita were patrolling near the coastal hamlet of Chendur Nagar near Alanthalai near Tiruchendur around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, they intercepted a lorry with 79 bundles of beedi leaves, each weighing 35 kg.

As driver R. Surya, 26, of Kuranganthattu near Kurumbur in the district was taking the beedi leaves to be smuggled to Sri Lanka by boat, he was arrested.

The Q Branch police handed over the vehicle with beedi leaves and the driver to Department of Customs for further inquiry and appropriate action.

Published - July 22, 2026 07:31 pm IST